Christmas and New Year's in Oaxaca and Puebla

15 days
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4.4/5 Great
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Small Group Tour
Leave the snowmen behind as you experience an authentic Mexican Christmas and ring in the New Year Oaxaca-style! See ancient rituals and visit well-known archaeological sites.
From$2,999
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • I like to spend much of the day exploring
    • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
    • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

What's this trip about?

    Leave the snowmen behind as you experience an authentic Mexican Christmas and ring in the New Year Oaxaca-style! See ancient rituals and visit well-known archaeological sites.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOaxaca City, Oaxaca
End CityMexico City, D.F

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Photography
  • Holy Land

Destinations

  • North America
  • New Mexico

Attractions

  • Mexico City

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Oaxaca, Check-in, Welcome Dinner Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m.

After arriving at the hotel, checking in and getting your room, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax.

At leisure.

At the hotel restaurant specializing in Mexican cuisine, we’ll enjoy a plated 3-course meal, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 2 Fiestas Lecture, Historical Center, Piñatas Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; uneven streets and sidewalks.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, em...

Day 3 Fiestas Lecture, Arrazola, Zachila, Cuilapan de Guerrero Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Driving approximately 30 miles roundtrip; about 1.5 hours throughout the day. Walking up to 2 miles total during group activities; flat surfaces.

Beginning at the hotel, we’ll enjoy the second part of our presentation on fiestas, legends, and traditions in Mexic...

Day 4 Monte Alban, Christmas Eve Dinner Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Driving approximately 13 miles roundtrip; about 1 hour total throughout the day. Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; in the sun; significant stairs climbing the pyramids.

Boarding the bus, we will begin our field trip to Monte Albán, one of the most impr...

Day 5 Santa Maria del Tule, Mitla, Teotitlán Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Driving approximately 60 miles total; about 3 hours, with stops. Walking approx. 2 miles; up to 1/2 mile under direct sun; bring hats, sunscreen, water bottle.

With a local expert, we will depart to Santa Maria del Tule. This used to be marshland filled with bul...

Day 6 Josefino Children's Home, Benito Juarez Film, Oaxaca History Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Driving approximately 4 miles total; about 1 hour, with stops. Walking approx. 1/2 mile total; mostly in the shade.

Boarding the bus, we will then transfer to visit children at the Josefino Children's Home with our local expert where we’ll have the opportunity t...

Day 7 The Magic Hands of Oaxaca, Ocotlan Route Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Driving approximately 56 miles roundtrip; about 2 hours total throughout the day. Walking approx. 1 mile throughout the day; flat surfaces.

In the meeting room with our instructor, we’ll settle in for a lecture on the magic hands of Oaxaca, during which we will ...

Day 8 Free Time, Cultural Event: La Guelaguetza Show Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

Driving approx. 2 miles total; about 1 hour, with stops. Walking approx. 1/2 mile throughout the day; flat terrain.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Oaxaca. Please refer to the list of...

Day 9 Transfer to Puebla, Walking Downtown Puebla Puebla City, Puebla

Driving approx. 220 miles total; about 4.5 hours throughout the day, with stops. Walking approx. 1 mile throughout the day; mostly flat surfaces and cobblestone streets.

Once checked out of the hotel, we will board the motorcoach and transfer to Puebla where we ...

Day 10 Amparo Museum, Free Time Puebla City, Puebla

Walking approx. 1.5 miles throughout the day; standing for up to 1 hour at the museum; 1 flight of stairs.

Walking from the hotel, we will visit the Amparo Museum, one of the most important historical museums in the country. Founded by Mexican businessman, Manue...

Day 11 Santa Maria Tonantzintla, San Francisco Acatepec, Cholula Puebla City, Puebla

Driving approx. 25 miles roundtrip; about 2 hours, with stops. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; mostly flat surfaces and cobblestone streets in the sun; significant stair climbing at the pyramid according to personal preference. Photographs are not allowed at ...

Day 12 To Mexico City, Anthropology Museum Mexico City, D.F

Driving approx. 87 miles one way; about 2.5 hours. Walking approx. 1.5 miles throughout the day; standing for up to 2 hours at the museum.

After checking out of the hotel, we will then board the motorcoach and transfer to Mexico City. Upon arrival, we will begin...

Day 13 Teotihuacan Archaeological Site, Mexico Past & Present Mexico City, D.F

Driving approx. 30 miles one way; about 1.5 hours, with stops. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day; direct sun; elective activity to climb stairs up pyramids; bring hats, sunscreen, water bottle.

Transferring from the hotel via bus, our field trip will be...

Day 14 Modern Mexico Lecture, National Palace, Frida Kahlo Museum Mexico City, D.F

Driving approx. 17 miles total throughout the day; about 1.5 hours combined. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day; flat terrain; standing for up to 1 hour at the National Palace. No food or water is allowed inside the National Place or museum.

Through a le...

Day 15 Program Concludes Mexico City, D.F

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructio...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,999
Price per day$200
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Marsha

Nov 2023

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Travel Section Incompetent, Unhelpful, and Won't correct error

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Jane Johnson

Sep 2023

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Tour Operator

Road Scholar

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Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

What they’re known for
Popular global tours with a unique focus on educational experiences for mostly senior travelers.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 14
  • Number of Lunch: 12
  • Number of Dinner: 14
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-18152

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